Differences between Netanyahu and Ya’alon increasing

A rift between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his Defence Minister Moshe Ya’alon is gaining much attention in the Israeli press following a public spat between the two, Quds Press reported on Monday.

Netanyahu urgently summoned Ya’alon on Monday to rebuke him for encouraging top military generals to continue speaking their mind in public, even if their comments contradict government views.

“Do not be afraid. Do not hesitate,” he said. “A good army is an army whose commanders, junior and senior alike, feel confident in their ability to speak their mind at all times. Continue to act in keeping with your human conscience and compass, and not to follow the way the wind is blowing.”

This came following comments made by Israel’s Deputy Military Chief Major General Yair Golan who made a comparison between recent trends in Israeli society and the atmosphere in Nazi-era Germany.

Netanyahu heavily criticised the remark, while Ya’alon supported the general’s right to speak.